Pain and depression in gynecology patients
Ellen L Poleshuck1, Matthew J Bair, Kurt Kroenke
1University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd., Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Ellen_Poleshuck@URMC.Rochester.edu
Background:
The prevalence and consequences of comorbid pain and depression in gynecology patients are understudied.
Objective:
The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of pain, depression, and their co-occurrence among gynecology patients, and to examine how pain and depression are associated with additional comorbid mental disorders.
Method:
Self-reported pain, depressive symptoms, other mental-disorder symptoms, functional status, interpersonal distress, and abuse were assessed in 1,647 gynecology patients by use of the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Medical Outcomes Study (SF-20).
Results:
Moderate-to-severe pain was reported by 29% of patients; depression, by 21%; with both present in 10.3%. Comorbid pain and depression was associated with anxiety, suicidal or death ideation, functional impairment, interpersonal distress, and physical or sexual abuse.
Discussion:
Innovative approaches are needed to assess and treat gynecology patients with comorbid pain and depression, given the degree of overlap between them.
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